Residence Life Handbook

The residential life staff is here to make your transition to living in a residence hall a smooth one. We welcome the opportunity to get to know you on a personal level and urge you to take advantage of the variety of services we have to offer.

Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life

Lisa Hall

lisahall@southern.edu

423.236.2900

Talge Hall—423.236.2994

Brandon Dorn, Associate Dean	bdorn@southern.edu	423.236.2991
Carl Patterson, Associate Dean	patterson@southern.edu	423.236.2996
Kevin Pride, Associate Dean	pride@southern.edu	423.236.2993
John Sager, Associate Dean	jsager@southern.edu	423.236.2991
Susan Behnke, Office Manager	susanb@southern.edu	423.239.2990
Dusty Miller, Maintenance Supv.	gcmiller@southern.edu	423.236.2999
Jenni Spicer, Housekeeping Supv.	jspicer@southern.edu	423.236.2297

Thatcher Hall—423.236.2904/Thatcher South—423.236.2910

Chamra Anthony, Associate Dean	cotto@southern.edu	423.236.2908
Mary Neri, Assistant Dean	mneri@southern.edu	423.236.2906
Susan Pennington, Associate Dean	spennington@southern.edu	423.236.2903
Jody Vandivier, Office Manager	jodyvandivier@southern.edu	423.236.2902
Edwin Alvira, Housekeeping Supv.	alvirae@southern.edu	423.236.2909

Southern Village—423.236.2910

Donene Braithwaite, Associate Dean	dbraithwaite@southern.edu	423.236.2907
John Willis, Associate Dean	johnwillis@southern.edu	423.236.2997
Lisa Patterson, Administrative Dean	lpatterson@southern.edu	423.236.2901

Housing Information:

Talge	Housing @southern.edu	423.236.2222
Thatcher and Thatcher South	thatcherhousing@southern.edu	423.236.2903
Southern Village	svhousing@southern.edu	423.236.2901

Changes
After the first two weeks of the semester, you may request to change rooms by contacting the housing dean for your building. Moves will not be granted for reasons of race, religion, or national origin. Changes made without this approval may result in additional charges.

The following steps must be followed when making a room change:

1. Talk to your roommate first. This courtesy will help the process to go smoothly
2. Contact your respective housing office with your request
3. See procedures below for check-in and check out instructions

*Moves must be completed in 24 hours (not including Sabbath)

Check-in Procedure
Before you move into your reserved residence hall room, you must first go to the Thatcher or Talge Office.  The appropriate office staff will approve you to move into your assigned room and give you ID card access.   You may not move any items into your reserved room until you have been approved to move in by the appropriate office staff.  Failure to list any room damages may result in charges for those damages when you move out.

Check-out Procedure
Clean your room. (A list of cleaning expectations is available in the office.)

1. Contact a dean, student dean/RA, or the office manager to inspect your room for cleanliness and damages.
2. The person checking you out will verify your contact information and enter this information on the mobile check out. (We cannot forward magazines, so you should also send a change-of-address form to each subscription.)
3. You and the person checking you out will review the inspection check out list and sign the mobile inspection form. Any damages will be noted on the inspection list and charges may occur.

*There is no active check out during Sabbath hours. Arrangements need to be made before Sabbath to properly check-out of your room.

Improper Check-out
Failure to follow any of the check-out procedures may result in charges for any or all of the following problems: failure to fill out a forwarding address card, cleaning, packing, etc.

Cleanliness
Rooms are to be kept clean and orderly. Bathroom mold is a particular problem, making frequent cleaning necessary. Suite mates must work together to make sure the bathroom is cleaned weekly. The residence hall bathrooms are checked every two weeks by the RAs. Residents will be fined for unclean bathrooms and unclean rooms. A conference with a dean will be necessary if the problem persists.

Deposit
All residents are required to have a $250 Commitment Deposit in place by May 1 in order to assure a reservation in the residence halls. This deposit remains with the university as long as you are a resident. The deposit is applied to your account when you graduate or leave university housing, provided there is no room damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.  If you reserve a room and your plans change, and you do not notify us by June 1, you will forfeit this deposit.

Dimensions 
     Thatcher Hall and Thatcher South
     Rooms: 16.10’ x 12.4’
     
     Talge
     Main residence hall rooms – 9.11’ x 14.7
     1^st West (1,2,3) – 10.6’ x 16’
     New wing – 13’ x 16’ and 13’ x 18’

For a virtual tour, visit southern.edu/residencelife and click on the picture of the residence hall you would like to view.

Furnishings
Every room is furnished with two beds, two standard twin mattresses, two desks, two chairs, drawer space, window blinds, and carpet. None of this furniture may be removed. Removing furnishings or blinds incurs a $100 cash fine. No lofts may be built, and no furniture may be disassembled or raised.

You are responsible for the condition of your room and will be charged for damages, as well as custodial expenses, if a room is left in need of repair and/or cleaning. Therefore, wallpaper and contact paper should not be installed and furniture is not to be painted.

Suggested items that can be brought to residence hall:

• Desk and floor lamps (no halogen lamps)
• Towels and wash cloths
• Cleaning supplies
• Cell phone/charger
• Computer
• Keurig or Keurig-type machines
• Bicycle
• Small refrigerator (up to 4.5 cubic feet)
• Blenders, juicers or any small appliance that does not heat
• Linens and pillows for standard twin size bed
• Waste basket
• Flashlight
• Iron with auto shut-off only (iron boards are in laundry rooms)
• Stereo/headphones
• Microwave*
• Stick vacuum
• Bathroom plunger
• Extension cord (only three-pronged UL cords and power strips are allowed)

*Microwaves are the only appliance allowed that can heat food. Any appliance that generates heat is considered a fire hazard.

Items to leave at home (include but not limited to):

• Firearms or weapons of any type
• Tv’s or computers over 43”
• Punching bags
• Role playing games
• Inappropriate posters
• Mini blinds
• Wireless routers
• Beds
• Dart boards
• Pets (unless approved ESA’s)
• Street signs
• Video projectors

Items not allowed in Residence Halls due to being fire hazards: (For more information regarding Fire Safety visit: https://www.southern.edu/administration/campus-safety/yoursafety/fire.html)

• Rice cookers
• Deep fryers
• Crockpots
• Hot pots/plates
• Coffee makers with hot plates (Keurig type allowed)
• Oil or lava lamps
• Oil diffusers
• Oil or lava lamps
• All open (spider or torch style) lamps containing incandescent bulbs
• Objects with open flame
• Candles/torches
• Fireworks
• Incense
• Fog, steam, or mist creating appliances (example: oil diffusers)
• Combustible chemicals
• Gas or fuel cans
• Bean bag chairs
• Hover boards
• Flammable camping equipment (kerosene, cook stoves, steno, lanterns)

ID Card / Keys
Your ID card is your room key. Your ID card is issued at the Campus Card Desk located on the 2nd floor of Wright Hall. When you check in to the residence hall, you will need to have your ID card with you so that it can be programmed for your room. If you lose or misplace your ID card, please visit the Campus Card Desk. If the Campus Card Desk is closed, you will be given a temporary card until you are able to get a new ID card. Residents have two days to get a new ID card. If you are locked in your room, please call the front desk and ask for the dean on duty.

Lofts
No lofts may be built, nor may furniture be disassembled. Beds are not to be raised except to bunk the beds.

Room Rates
Double Occupancy

Rooms in all residence halls are double occupancy. A resident rent only one half of the room; therefore, unoccupied spaces may be filled at any time. It is imperative, then, that you occupy only one side of the room.

Single Occupancy (Can request if space is available)

If there is space, after the school year begins and once everyone is placed, preference will be given to those with the most credit hours.  A written request (email is accepted) must be submitted to the Housing Office (see page 4 for contact information). Once the request is received the following must happen before consideration:

1. Parental consent in writing to appropriate Housing Office (email is accepted)
2. Approval and clearance from Student Finance

* rent for single occupancy is 1.5 times the regular room rent

Room Reservations
The Housing office will open Virtual Room Reservations in April. Before this occurs student will be notified about steps that need to happen prior to being able to reserve a room. It is especially important to check all emails from the Housing office. Being able to reserve a room is contingent upon your being pre-registered and your account being current. The residence halls are designed for currently enrolled undergraduate students who are 22 years old or below and taking at least six credit hours.  Those taking less hours will be considered if space is available.

Special Accommodations
Students with disabilities who require personal attendants or who require special residential accommodations must have their requests and plans approved by Disability Support Services, (423.236.2574) before they can be considered for student housing.

Policies and Procedures in this handbook are subject to change. Changes occur only after consultation with administration. Any changes will be announced in the Residence Hall newsletter

A/C-Heater Units
The filters of the A/C-heater units will be cleaned once a month by housekeeping. You should not tamper with the unit’s internal service controls; operation of controls should be limited to the outside panel and the vent only. When leaving for breaks, your unit should be set at “4” or approx. 70 degrees automatic cool in summer and automatic heat in winter. A/C-heater units must be able to circulate the air in your room. To make this possible, please keep items away from the front of the unit.  Beds must be at least 12 inches away from the A/C-heater unit.

Auto repairs
Auto repair of any kind (including oil change) may not be done in any parking lot because of the damage these repairs can do to the ground/pavement. Trash cans are available in the parking lots. Please dispose of your trash in these receptacles.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse
Southern strives to maintain a safe and healthful community for its students and employees. One way the university endeavors to accomplish this goal is by enforcing a drug-free lifestyle. Therefore, manufacturing, distributing, possessing, and/or using tobacco, vapor or e-cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs are strictly prohibited. These restrictions are expectations of Southern students when they are on and off campus and include the serving of alcohol, a fact which should be taken into consideration when seeking employment.

Though tobacco is not an illicit drug, nicotine has addictive properties and is responsible for a variety of health-related problems. Therefore, as part of its efforts to maintain a healthy community, Southern bans the possession, use, or distribution of tobacco products.

Illicit drugs include opium derivatives, hallucinogens (such as marijuana, mescaline, peyote, LSD, psilocybin), cocaine, amphetamines, codeine, heroin, methamphetamines, morphine, and other drugs, natural or synthetic, prohibited by law. This list does not include lawfully-prescribed drugs that are being taken under a physician's direction.

By voluntarily becoming a member of the Southern community, you agree to submit to random drug testing. If the Dean of Students and a residence hall dean have reasonable suspicion or evidence of drug use, they will require you to submit to chemical screening. The student is obligated to pay the expenses of the assessment and screening if those tests are the result of the student having violated this policy. You are also obligated to pay the expenses in the event that a random screen reveals that the student has used illicit drugs. Any student who has been found to have drunk alcoholic beverages or is in possession of alcoholic beverages will be required to submit to a chemical screening.

The results of a student's failed alcohol or drug test are kept in the student's file in the office of the Dean of Students. Consistent with the regulations of FERPA, disclosure of this information to other school officials, including professors within the institution, occurs only if the institution has determined that those entities have a legitimate reason to know. As such, the schools of Nursing, Social Work, Education and Psychology, and Religion have policies that establish them as legitimate need-to-know entities.

Southern responds to violations of this policy redemptively. While a short-term, on-campus suspension is given to a student who violates any part of this policy, the primary goal of Southern’s approach to illicit-substance abuse is to restore students to health and to direct them away from medicating with illicit substances. Therefore, students who violate this policy are required to interview with a professional drug-and-alcohol intervention counselor, become involved in an illicit-substance education program, meet with a mental-health counselor, and sign a commitment to remain substance free for the remainder of one’s time at Southern. In rare cases, the intervention counselor recommends inpatient intervention, thus requiring a student to suspend their studies for a period of time. The goal of this multi-prong approach is to facilitate the student’s return to a healthy lifestyle. In the event of a student’s recidivism—that is, the violation of this policy again, a student may be sanctioned with long-term suspension or dismissal.

Assault
In accordance with Southern’s campus policy, residence halls will not tolerate sexual, physical and/or verbal assault. Residents involved in this type of behavior will be subject to discipline, including possible dismissal. The offender(s) may be prosecuted by the City of Collegedale.

Bicycles/In-line Skates/Skateboards/Scooters
Roller skating, inline skating, skateboarding, longboarding, scootering and other similar board-type activities have a risk of injury or damage. Consequently, you perform these activities at your own risk. The university assumes no liability or responsibility for injuries received while riding on university property.

Students who choose to assume the risk of one of these activities on campus are to abide by the following guidelines. They are to

• Wear protective gear, including a helmet, required wrist guards, elbow pads, and kneepads.
• Provide right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Stop at all pedestrian road way crossings, check for cross traffic, and proceed with crossing only when it is safe to do so.
• Avoid riding on roads, driveways, parking lots, the running/walking track, or in areas where vehicles are normally driven and operated.
• Avoid riding inside buildings.
• Avoid riding, jumping, or sliding on stairs, railings, curb edges, benches, walls, or trick riding.
• Avoid hanging onto or being pulled by any moving motorized or pedaled vehicle.

Because of the damage that these items can do to carpets, they are not to be used inside any building. In-line skates and skateboards are allowed on the general campus (except the tennis courts, stairs & railings, and the plaza area) with proper gear.

*Because motorized bicycles, longboards, skateboards, and scooters are ridden at greater speeds than their non-motorized counterparts, they are banned from campus.

Bulletin Boards
All material placed on the lobby bulletin boards of either building must be approved by
a dean or office manager. Hallway bulletin boards are for RA use only.

Camping
To leave campus for weekend camping trips, you must submit a request through the regular weekend leave process.

The following information must be verified: specific identification of camping site, approved adult sponsor (age 23+) to accompany mixed gender groups, and separate sleeping arrangements for each gender. Leaves for mixed gender camping groups MUST submit their leave by the deadline in order for the deans to have enough time to approve the sponsor. Campus-sponsored organizations are expected to follow these same guidelines. Camping alone is prohibited.

Ceiling Tiles
Ceiling Tiles must remain in place and there is not to be anything stored above them. If you notice a damaged or missing ceiling tile in your room fill-out a maintenance request immediately to avoid any room damage fines.

Cleats
Before entering the residence halls after engaging in softball, flag ball, soccer, or caving, please take off cleats.

CCTV
Southern is committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life on the campus. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan is the use of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). Information obtained through video monitoring will be used exclusively for security and law enforcement purposes and will be conducted in a manner consistent with university policies. Video monitoring of public areas for security purposes at the university is limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation to privacy as defined by law. There is a reasonable expectation of privacy in showers, rest rooms, and individual resident rooms.

Confiscation Policy
Stereos and speakers that are confiscated because of a noise violation will be held for a month before being returned. Cash fines also apply. Other items (such as but not limited to televisions over 43”, posters, firearms, swords, and role-playing games) will not be returned until the resident can take the item home. Weapons may be turned over to Campus Safety.

The university, residence hall deans, and RAs are not responsible for any confiscated items in storage. It is recommended that you purchase personal property insurance for your personal items.

Decorations
When decorating your room, please keep paper decorations to a minimum. During the Christmas season, live trees are not allowed in the building. No lighted candles are allowed. No door decorations are allowed.

Discipline
Residence hall discipline will be administered as outlined in the residence hall and student handbooks. Students are responsible for choices they make, and part of the residence halls’ commitment to running a fine program is to hold the student accountable. The deans challenge each resident to base his or her behavior on Christian standards. This commitment will, in the end, bring the greatest degree of happiness.

Distribution of Information
Anyone wishing to distribute or provide information via pamphlets, newsletters, newspapers, voice, or any other form of communication, must first receive permission from the Vice President of Student Development. To post information in the residence halls you will also need permission from the residence halls.

Door Locks
Door locks are not to be taped or tampered with in any way. There is a cash fine for this type of activity. If the lock is damaged and needs to be replaced, there will be a charge for the replacement cost.

Dress Code
As a Christian educational institution, Southern has established a dress code emphasizing modesty, cleanliness, neatness, and professional appropriateness. Students are to meet the following requirements:

Men

1. 1. Modest pants worn at the waist with shirts or sweaters
   2. Sabbath services (Vespers, Sabbath School, church): suits or collared dress shirts or turtleneck sweaters
   3. Beards and mustaches clean and well groomed
   4. Modest recreational apparel

Women

1. 1. Modest dresses, skirts, or pants with shirts or sweaters
   2. Sabbath services (Vespers, Sabbath School, church): modest skirts, dresses, or dress pants with shirts or sweaters
   3. Makeup should be natural in appearance
   4. Modest recreational apparel, including one-piece swimsuits

Men and Women

1. 1. Shoes and shirts are required in all non-recreational public places
   2. Hair is to be clean, neat, and without radical styles
   3. Shorts worn in classroom buildings or during Convocation must be modest in length, no shorter than mid-thigh, and not recreational shorts

Specifically prohibited in public are:

1. 1. Sloppiness, tank tops, pajamas/loungewear, and clothing that is torn, frayed, or with printing that contradicts university standards
   2. Tight fitting and revealing styles, sheer fabrics, low-cut tops, bare midriffs or shoulders, exposed camisoles, miniskirts with or without leggings, and skirts with deep slits
   3. Jewelry: bracelets, necklaces, chains, medallions, earrings, and rings. Medical alert chains and bracelets are allowed. Married students may wear wedding bands. Medical alert chains and bracelets are allowed.

*Students who wear jewelry may be fined

When working out in the Hulsey Wellness Center, modesty of dress should always be considered. Tops with sleeves and closed toed shoes must be worn on the fitness floor and walking track. No denim is allowed on the fitness floor.

Students not compliant with the dress code may be subject to university sanctions. Guests at Southern are encouraged to comply with the dress code.

Electricity
To conserve energy, lights and appliances should be turned off when not in use. When you go on vacation or away for the weekend, please turn off lights and all electrical items (except your refrigerator). 

Exiting and Entering Dorm from 11:15 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.
No one is to exit or enter the residence hall through the periphery doors from 11:00 p.m. Exiting and entering at this time should occur through the main entrance of the residence hall and the proper sign in/sign out process should be followed. Failure to follow this process is considered a major violation and fines can be incurred. (During incident of fire alarm and emergency please exit/enter as instructed.)

End of Semester Violations
When there is less than 1 month to be on RHR or CP due to night check violations, the discipline for major NC violations will be: $35 fine (reduced to $25 if paid before you leave for the semester) and you will be placed on CP for the rest of the semester.  If you receive an additional major night check violation, you will receive a $100 fine and meet with the Head Dean.

Engines and Motorized Vehicles
Because of the potential fire hazard, engines of any type (auto, motorcycle, chain saw, etc.) are not allowed in the residence halls, Southern Village, storage closets or rooms for any reason. All motorized vehicle parts, including tires, are banned from the residence halls and Southern Village. Cash fines, as well as payment for any possible damages, may result.

Eviction Policy
When students cease to be registered for classes, they must vacate campus housing. The student will be notified by a dean in writing that they will have 48 hours to vacate. This policy also applies during summer terms if a student does not retain his or her accepted status. If the student does not vacate housing within the allotted time, his or her personal belongings will be placed in storage, and the student will forfeit all refundable housing deposits and fees. Any exceptions must be arranged through the deans, Student Development, and Student Finance.

Fines
If a resident is fined near the end of a semester, and the fine remains unpaid by due date, it will be charged against the resident’s student account with a processing fee applied.

Firearms and Weapons
All city, state, and federal laws and regulations governing firearms and weapons apply on university property. Firearms and guns (including, but not limited to, bullet, pellet, BB, and paintball), bows and arrows, blowpipes, knives (or any edged weapon over four inches from bezel to tip), nunchucks, throwing stars, brass knuckles, and any other type of weapon prohibited by law are not allowed on campus. The storage of personally-owned firearms and weapons must occur off campus. Students who violate this policy are subject to university sanctions and fines, and arrest on local, state, and/or federal charges.

Additionally; rifles, sling shots, starting pistols and paint guns are strictly prohibited in the residence halls or in a resident’s car. This is a felony anywhere on campus.

Furniture
Furniture must not be moved from any residence hall lobby or kitchen/lounge area. There is a cash fine for an infraction of this policy (see page 36).

Hair Cutting
Haircuts should be given in designated and approved places in the residence halls. Drop cloths should be used beneath the chair to minimize mess and clean-up.

Hazing/Bullying
Hazing is against the state law. A resident who engages in, conspires to engage in, or commits any act that injures, degrades, bullies, or disgraces, or tends to injure, degrade, or disgrace a fellow student (this includes online as well) will be subject to serious discipline, including dismissal. Two irregular activities worth mentioning are water fights and the use of any pistol that shoots water, rubber, plastic, or dye bullets (or any other kind of bullet). These activities will result in confiscation of the items in use and possible fines to cover any damage that has been done to the facility. Confiscated items will be turned over to the Campus Safety Department. Criminal prosecution may occur.

Hover Boards
The university prohibits the use, possession, and storage of hover boards inside any Southern building. The ban will be reassessed when the Consumer Product Safety Commission releases a comprehensive statement of their findings regarding the safety of hover board use. Hover boards are deemed a fire hazard, if they are found in your dorm room they will be confiscated and disposed of plus a fine will be incurred.

Illness
A resident with an illness or injury that requires constant monitoring, may not remain in the residence hall until he or she is out of physical danger and is cleared by a physician. Health services or the physician will advise in such cases. All other illness, such as the flu, should be reported to a dean.

Insubordination
Failure to follow through with what has been requested of you by a dean, whether this request be made in writing or by voice, will be considered insubordination and may result in Citizenship Probation or further discipline.

Internet Usage
Your use of the Internet should be consistent with the Christian values that Southern maintains. The university reserves the right to check the contents of computer files on the campus and in individual rooms for illegal activities and pornographic materials. You accept this authorization when you rent a room. Accessing pornography, hate sites, and other non-Christian material will be justification for turning off individual Internet service. If you violate the law, criminal prosecution may result. Because wireless service is now available in the residence halls, individual wireless routers are not allowed.

Jewelry (see dress code)

Lobbies
The main lobbies of each residence hall are open for mixed visiting from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday to Friday and until 12:45 a.m. on Saturday. Members of the opposite gender are not allowed in any part of a residence hall. Permission must be obtained from a dean before allowing a person of the opposite gender to help a resident move in. Violators of this policy will be subject to suspension.

If using a laptop in the lobbies you are required to use headphones if you are viewing/listening to anything with sound. Please refrain from watching secular movies in the lobby during Sabbath hours.

Mental or Emotional Health
If for any reason you are discouraged or depressed, talking with a dean or counselor will make it easier for you to deal with your discouragement. The Counseling and Testing Center has professional counseling available for those who are experiencing suicidal feelings and desire help in coping with them. Any student who attempts suicide, displays behavior that could lead to such an act, or demonstrates a tendency toward self-harm, may be placed on an open-ended medical leave of absence. Continuation as a student will occur only after the

student has presented documentation of an approved therapy program.

Night Check
The residence halls close at 11:15 p.m., Sunday through Friday and at 1:00 a.m. on Saturday. After those hours, they are closed until 6:00 a.m. All outside doors are locked during closed hours. Night check is conducted at closing time (curfew) each evening. You are required to register your presence in the residence hall. You may meet this requirement by checking in at the night check table in the main lobby or by contacting one of the RAs who is conducting a room-by-room check on the halls at closing time. Once in the residence hall, you must receive a dean’s permission if you need to leave before 6 a.m. This permission must be obtained before the dean leaves for the night. Sign-outs are to be the exception, not the rule. You should take care of outside and off-campus business before closing time. Please make sure to park your car before getting yourself on check.

If you can’t be in the residence hall by closing time due to work, you must submit a petition form to the dean in charge of night check (see Petitions, page 30-31). Only with an approved petition are you exempt from night check violations because of work.

Late Leaves
One late leave (up until 2:00 a.m.) may be requested per week. Under normal circumstances, late leaves give the resident 60 additional minutes beyond curfew to be out of the residence hall. Request forms are available at the front desk and must be approved in person by a dean; they may not be left at the front desk for a dean. Late leaves may be requested for the following reasons: emergencies, special occasions, or out-of-town travel. Late leaves may be requested for any night of the week except Friday and Saturday nights (Out-of-town travel and emergencies are exceptions). Late leaves cannot be obtained during the Sabbath hours. Call-ins will not be accepted by a desk worker. Should you have an emergency that keeps you from returning to the residence hall by curfew, you should call and speak to the dean on duty.

Major Violations
Coming in more than an hour late is considered a major violation of the night check policy. A resident must meet with a dean in this situation. Major violations often result in residence hall restrictions. Other major violations are being unaccounted at night check and signing out of the residence hall without permission. Major violations will result in you being placed on Residence Hall Restriction for one month and could result in a cash fine. If you receive any additional major violations during the same semester you will be placed on Citizenship Probation for one month.

Petitions, Night Check
If a work conflict prevents you from being in your residence hall by the curfew you must fill out a night-check petition.

During the week, you will need to schedule your work to allow you to be back to your residence hall by 1 a.m. (2 a.m. on Saturday night). Check with one of your deans to see what forms you need to fill out in your residence hall. Petitions should be submitted no later than two weeks after the academic year begins or after new job commences. After two weeks, late arrival may not be excused if no petition has been submitted. If you are a nurse who works a night shift, check with your deans to see what the requirements are for your residence hall.

Night Check Summary
This chart applies to Talge, Thatcher, Thatcher South, Southern Village and the Cottages

(This chart applies to students age 18+)

Age/Class/GPA	Day		Curfew	Minor			Major
All freshman under 20	Sun – Fri		11:15pm	11:16pm – 12:15am			After 12:15am
	Saturday		1am	1:01am – 2am			2:01am – 6am
Sophomores+ and must be either 20+ or GPA 3.0+	Sun – Thur		1am	1:01am – 2am			2:01am – 6am
	Friday		11:15pm	11:16pm – 12:15am			After 12:15am
	Saturday		1am	1:01am – 2am			2:01am – 6am
94+ Credit Hours or 22+	Sunday – Thur		2am	None allowed			After 2am
	Friday		12:15am	None allowed			After 12:15am
	Saturday		2am	None allowed			After 2am

                        *If you are on Citizenship Probation, you forfeit late curfew

NOTE: Signing out between your curfew time and 6 am requires a deans permission. Without a deans permission it will be a minor or major violation.

Minor Students
Students under the age of 18 are subject to specific regulations appropriate to their age and relationship to the university. Specific regulations: 

1. Curfew
2. Sunday – Friday 11pm
3. Saturday 12am (no variations)
4. Late leaves: one hour maximum for specific reasons approved by dean on duty
5. Overnight leaves: must receive approval of parents in writing, an email is acceptable, with specified destination and people involved
6. Automobiles: motor vehicles may be brought to campus but are limited to the personal use of the minor only. They may not be lent to other students or used to transport other students, staff, or faculty.

Overnight Guests
If you would like to host an overnight guest, please fill out a visitor registration form for your guest. These are available at the front desk. Special arrangements must be made with a dean if your guest needs to extend his or her visit. Weekday visitors will be charged a $10 a night fee. Please see an Office Manager or Dean to pay this when your visitor arrives. Overnight guests must be age 16 or older. Overnight guests must obtain a temporary parking permit from Campus Safety. Call ext. 2100.

Overnight leaves
Anytime you leave campus overnight (even on a school sponsored trip), an overnight leave is required. All overnight leaves are filled out and submitted online at residencelife.southern.edu. Leaves must be approved before leaving the campus. It is the residence responsibility to ensure that their leave has been approved or denied by going to residencelife.southern.edu. Parental approval may be required for any leave.  If your plans change and you will return on a different date that your leave states you need to contact the dean on duty or student dean. You must return to the residence hall within your curfew/grace time to avoid a major or minor night check violation. DO NOT LEAVE CAMPUS UNTIL YOUR LEAVE HAS BEEN APPROVED!

If a leave must be cancelled or the resident returns early from a leave, a dean or student dean needs to be informed, and the resident must be in the residence hall by curfew. A change in destination must be reported to the dean. Failure to do so will result in a falsified leave.

Falsification of an overnight leave will result in disciplinary action, which could include suspension.

Residents with overnight leaves should not be in the residence hall during the dates on their approval leave. If you have a leave and are in the residence hall after 11:15 p.m. you must see a dean or student dean to be allowed out of the residence hall.

Weekend leaves must be submitted by 9:00 p.m. on Thursday. Residents that submit a leave after 9:00 p.m. on Thursday must see a dean or student dean for approval. Other aspects of the overnight leave policy are as follows:

4.) No leaves will be approved for sign-outs to Southern Village, Spaulding Cove, or other on campus housing.

Painting
Use of spray paint or other kind of paint or adhesive is not permitted in the residence hall. A cash fine plus clean-up charges applies to infractions of this policy.

Parking lots
See the map to determine which parking lots are valid for your category. Go to Campus Safety web site (southern.edu/campussafety) to view the parking map. Parking lots on campus are color-coded:

• Green for Talge residents
• Purple for Thatcher residents
• Red for Southern Village residents
• Blue for commuter students
• Gold for faculty/staff

Check with Campus Safety to get the current parking restrictions for your residence hall. If you need to park a vehicle that has not yet been registered, park in the lots that you would normally be allowed to park in. At no time should a resident park in front of the dumpster or garbage pit; towing may result. Residents may not park boats, jet skis, or trailers in any parking lot on campus. At times there will be campus activities that will temporarily require you to park in a different area.

Pets
With the exception of fish, no pets or animals of any sort are allowed in the residence hall unless approved through Disability Support Services as an ESA. The total fish tank capacity for each room is not to exceed 55 gallons, regardless of the number of tanks you have. Any overnight guests who visit residents must also leave pets at home. A cash fine is charged for violation of this policy, and fish tanks will be removed (see page 36).

Posters
Posters or pictures of nude or partially clothed bodies are inappropriate room decor. Likewise, all decorations that promote a lifestyle contrary to Seventh-day Adventist beliefs are inappropriate. Inappropriate subjects include alcoholic beverages, R-rated movie material, and certain musical groups. Confiscated items will not be returned.

Pornography
Magazines, computers, and posters that contain pornography are inappropriate material for the residence halls. These items will be confiscated and not returned.  Repeat offenders of this policy will be subject to discipline.

Public Display of Affection (PDA)
All residents and visitors are asked to conduct themselves in a way that will allow everyone present to be comfortable. Physical intimacy between two people is a private matter. Couples should refrain from PDA (including massaging and sitting or lying on each other) while in the residence hall lobbies or anywhere else on campus.

Residence Hall Discipline
Residence Hall Restriction (RHR) is imposed by the resident hall deans for policy violations. Possible restrictions may include some or all of the following:

1. No late leaves
2. No weekend leaves (overnight leaves)
3. No late entries

Citizenship Probation (CP) places the student on notice that his/her registration may be interrupted or canceled. It also carries some or all the following restrictions:

1. One approved weekend leave per month to go home if restriction is more than 4 weeks
2. No late leaves
3. Loss of late curfew privileges
4. Potential loss of all student leadership positions, including Student Association and religious activities. 
5. Potential of no longer being able to participate in public appearances for on and off campus activities that represent the university, except class related events.
6. Other restrictions deemed appropriate

NOTE: Anyone who is already on CP and receives any majors/minors will:

1. Meet with the Dean of Student and Director of Residence Life 
2. Possibly put on “registration hold”
3. Receive $100 fine (reduced to $75 if paid in cash within 2 weeks)

Right of Entry
The university reserves the right for a residence hall dean, a dean’s representative, or a college security officer to enter and inspect a student’s room whenever necessary. You accept this authorization when you rent a room.

Roommate Bill of Rights
Rooming with another person isn’t always easy. We offer the following “Roommate Bill of Rights” for you to consider. Your enjoyment of life in a residence hall will depend to a large extent on the thoughtful consideration that you demonstrate to each other. Only you can protect these rights. (See next page for details.)

1. The right to read and study free from undue interference in one’s room. Unreasonable     noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
2. The right to sleep without undue disturbance from noise, guests of roommate, etc.
3. The right to expect that the roommate will respect one’s personal belongings.
4. The right to a clean environment in which to live.
5. The right to free access to one’s room and facilities without pressure from roommate.
6. The right to personal privacy.
7. The right to host guests with the expectation that guests are to respect the rights of the host’s roommate and other hall residents.
8. The right to settle conflicts. Residence hall RAs and deans are available for assistance in settling conflicts.
9. The right to be free from fear of intimidation and physical and/or emotional harm.
10. The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of the telephone etiquette.

Selling and Soliciting
Sales parties, such as for cosmetics, pots and pans, etc.; using one’s room for a business and soliciting funds for an unapproved activity is prohibited in the residence halls. Exceptions are made through a dean.

Southern Village
Southern Village is meant for older undergraduate students. The number of credits needed to be eligible for Southern Village may change each year depending on availability of residential housing. Students who wish to be eligible for Southern Village must have good citizenship and worship attendance when living in the residential halls. All students who wish to live in Southern Village must have resided in the Southern residents’ halls for at least one full semester. Two weeks after school begins, when registration closes and for the rest of the school year students must have junior status (55 credit hours or more) to move into Southern Village.

Sound Equipment/Noise Policy
Radios and stereos, musical instruments, keyboards, and amplifiers are permitted in your room on a privilege basis. It is your responsibility to see that the volume does not disturb others. The equipment should not be heard outside the room. Headphones are required for those who wish to enjoy their music above that level. Headphones should be used on all equipment from 7:30 p.m. until 6 a.m. Residents who are not able to control their equipment as outlined here will lose this privilege. Although a warning will be given, no warning is necessary. If music or computer games are heard outside a room, speakers will be confiscated (see page 20).

Stealing
You should take precautions to protect your personal belongings. Put your name on your personal property, keep serial numbers in a separate location, and check to see if your parents’ homeowner’s insurance covers your belongings while at school. Consider purchasing a policy of your own. You can get a “Personal Property Items Registration Form” from either Campus Safety or the residence hall Office Manager. Individuals who take any items they do not own without permission will be disciplined immediately and will be subject to suspension. Possession of lobby or kitchen furniture, vacuums, tools, or any other residence hall property without permission will be treated as theft and brings fines of a minimum $100 (see page 36). Also, anyone in possession of an unauthorized master card key will be subject to serious discipline or dismissal.

Summer Residents
Residence halls are available to students in the summer for a reduced rate of $300/month. Students who wish to reside in the residence halls during the summer must be taking a summer class, have already been accepted for the following academic year, have a full-time job or a combination of work and classes. In order to conserve energy and to facilitate repair work, residents will be moved to one or two halls of the residence halls, and the rest of the building will be closed down.

TV’s
Students are allowed to have televisions up to 43” in their rooms.

Vandalism
Any damage done to any campus property will result in restitution, fines, and possibly criminal prosecution.

Vaping/Vaping Paraphernalia
Vaping and vaping paraphernalia (including the liquid regardless of nicotine content) is considered a fire hazard and not allowed in the residence halls. Use and/or possession of such items will incur a fine and possible discipline.

Vehicle Registration
Please register your vehicle within three days of arrival to avoid paying tickets for unauthorized parking or failure to register. To register your vehicle, go to the web site for Campus Safety: southern.edu/campussafety. Then click on the Vehicle Registration option and follow the directions.

Windows
All first-floor windows are regulated so that they cannot be fully opened. Screens on all windows are to be left on at all times. Tampering with the window such as removing the stop bar or screen, will result in a cash fine per person (see page 36).

Exiting and entering rooms through windows may result in CP and/or suspension and a cash fine. Residents may be moved to a higher floor if the exit or entry occurs after night check. Zip ties broken on first floor windows will result in a fine.

Please refrain from covering your window with, but not limited to, the following items, flags, posters, signs, decals, etc. The only window covering should be the blinds that the residence halls provide. Covering your window can result in a cash fine (see pg. 36). Our goal is to keep the residence halls looking uniform and neat.

Wireless Access Points
Rooms are equipped with wireless access points (located on the ceiling). Please do not touch them for any reason. Nothing is to be plugged into them. Be aware if these points tampered with it can result in a cash fine and repair fee. Because wireless service is now available in the residence halls, individual wireless routers are not allowed.

Worship / Convocation / Vespers
The Bible makes clear that spiritual growth is dependent on both personal and corporate worship. While all students are encouraged to cultivate a personal devotional life, Southern’s Worship and Convocation program provides the campus the opportunity to come together for spiritual fellowship. Here is a list of the regularly scheduled programs during the week:. 

Residence hall evening worship (Sunday, varies, 1 credit)
Coed evening worship (Tuesday, 7:30pm, 2 credits)
Morning Meditations (Monday-Friday, 7:30am, 1 credit)
Convocation (Thursday, 11am, 2 cultural credits)
Vespers (Friday evening, 6:30pm and 8:30pm, 2 credits)
Evensong (Saturday evenings, varies with sundown, 1 credit)
LifeGroups (times vary, 2 credits)

Other credits may be obtained through various academic and student organization meetings. Although a large number of Convocations have spiritual content, several of them instead celebrate and honor academic achievements, presenting programs that enrich the classroom experience.

Because Southern’s Worship and Convocation program is co-curricular, all students, both residential and commuter, are required to attend a set number of services during a semester. This number is determined by class standing as follows:

            Requirements for residential students (credits per semester):
Freshman: 60 (Cultural= 16, Enrichment= 44)
Sophomore: 55 (Cultural= 14, Enrichment= 41)
Junior: 32 (Cultural= 8, Enrichment= 24)
Senior: 30 (Cultural= 8, Enrichment= 22)
Graduating senior with B.S. or B.A.: exempt in their last semester prior to graduation

Requirements for commuter students (credits per semester):
Freshman: 40 (Cultural= 10, Enrichment= 30
Sophomore: 36 (Cultural= 10, Enrichment= 26)
Junior: 32 (Cultural= 8, Enrichment= 24)
Senior = 30 (Cultural= 8, Enrichment= 22)
Graduating senior with B.S. or B.A.: exempt in their last semester prior to graduation  

Requirements for part-time students:
Part-time students (defined for this policy as any student taking 6-11 hours) who reside on campus follow the residence hall requirement for their class standing. Part-time commuter students are to maintain worship attendance at the same level as full-time commuter students. 

Exempted Students include: Married students, students with children, veterans, students 23 or older, students who have already earned 124 hours, those student teaching, taking classes completely online, or Consortium students.

Click here to see the requirements and sanctions.